Finance expert offers money saving tips for appliance owners

Carrying out simple checks can make all the difference when it comes to cutting domestic appliance running costs, according to one expert.

Writing for the Daily Finance website, Bruce Watson described a number of ways to make fridges and freezers more energy efficient.

Figures from the US Department of Energy suggest that on average, refrigerators account for almost 14 per cent of a property’s electricity bills. However, there are ways to lower this figure.

Watson says checking the door seals around fridges and freezers is the place to start, as old, broken seals will allow cold air to escape. Keeping a fridge away from sources of heat such as windows and cookers will also help the appliance to stay cool.

Finally, Watson said cleaning out appliances and removing unwanted food allows air to circulate more easily, meaning less energy is needed to maintain the temperature of the fridge or freezer.